June 28, 2017

For the longest time I had been looking for a long button down maxi dress that had a flow to it...and wouldn't cost me an arm an a leg. A couple of weekends ago my mom and I were out walking around and we went into the Banana Republic Outlet. There it was sitting on the hanger with an extra 50% off, the dress I had been looking for! I'm so in love with this dress it's not even funny. New go to summer dress!

June 26, 2017

I have been feeling the tie knot shirt look for some time now. It's perfect for those really hot sticky days. Goes great with high waisted shorts or pants or even a little itty bitty bikini. Plus, it's a great option to a cropped top.

June 21, 2017

I've been thinking about this outfit for sometime now. Finally the weather in NYC has been some what corporative, I finally got to make this outfit a reality. Super flirty and girl, but I love it. Reminds me of Italy.

June 19, 2017

I might be back, but I'm def. not back in the New York groove. When I got back to the city the weather wasn't so great...so I tried as much as I could to keep up the tropical feeling as much as possible. Which meant throwing on my Hawaiian shirt from Honolua Surf Co. and tropical print pants. Thankfully the weather is starting to become more like summer...finally.

The husband and I have now traveled enough times to Oahu and stayed in Waikiki to develop our favorite places to eat, drink, and shop. Actually, the husband been more than me, since he traveled to the island for work (I know lucky him!). So we (yes WE) compiled a list of our favorite places in Waikiki for you!

We found this place on most recent trip. It's at the entrance of the new International Market place on Kuhio avenue. It's a small shop that offers indoor and outdoor seating. This became our go to for morning coffee and pastries.Heather Recommends: almond pineapple croissant, cold brew

Honolulu Coffee Company2365 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815

This place is just a must when in Waikiki. They a couple of locations (all locations here), but the one we typically go to is located right by the Moana Surf Rider. Sadly, I didn't know they had just opened a roasting center that people can tour. If you are a coffee person like me I would recommend checking it.

Island Vintage Coffee2201 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815

This is the husband's favorite place and it's easy to see why. They not only offer a lengthy list of drinks (including lattes like the Island Latte and none coffee blends like Taro Frappe) but a breakfast and lunch menu. Plus, the shop itself in the Royal Hawaiian Center is super adorable and offers a lot of great gifting options to bring home. They too also have a number of locations, check them out here.Heather Recommends: Ice CoffeeThe Husbands Recommends: Acai Bowl, Drip Coffee

EAT & DRINK

Tommy Bahamas298 Beach Walk, Honolulu, HI 96815
So little off the hustle and bustle of Kalakaua Ave. you will find a quite calmer street that houses Tommy Bahamas, Hardrock, Bills, and my favorite surf shop HIC Surf. On the first floor you will find the Tommy Bahamas shop then on the second floor is the huge airy dining space with big windows, large bamboo ceiling fans, and beautiful colorfully art work on the walls. There is even a roof deck that looks out onto Kalakaua Ave. and has little beach with fire pits. The food here is amazing and so are the drinks. If you are looking for a more upscale with a relaxed atmosphere, Tommy Bahamas is your place. Or just come for cocktails on the roof.Heather Recommends: Pina Colada, Coconut Shrimp, don't skip the butter with the bread

The Pig and the Lady83 N King St, Honolulu, HI 96817

I have yet to go to The Pig and the Lady. This is a hugely popular place, that reservations are a MUST. Actually this place is so popular that the owners opened another smaller place call Piggy Smalls. Anyway, the husband has been here a couple of times and loves it.The Husbands Recommends: Pho, and any daily specials - plus cocktails!

Yard House226 Lewers Street, #l148, Honolulu, HI 96815

If you are a beer drinker, Yard House is a MUST. They have an extensive draft list including LOTS of local beers. One of my favorite things about the Yard House is that they let you taste test beers prior to having to actually buy a beer. Also they can help recommend beers to you. Also they have flights of beers which are called the 6-packs. They even have a "local six pack" with a variety of local beers they have on tap. This is always our first stop when we get to the island. I need my island beer fix, plus the food is spot on.We Recommend: Truffle Burger (sub the regular fries with the truffle fries it's more $ but worth it), Kona Koko Brown

Maui Brewing Company2300 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815

New to us this trip was the Maui Brewing Company bar/restaurant. This place was in the same location as the stuffy Jimmy Buffet's. This place is HUGE and open...and lively. If you are looking for a quite affair you won't find it here. If you are coming for good brews and food then this is your place. They don't have flights yet BUT they do allow for you to try taste test two beers so the husband and I got two each to make a little flight of our own. We also split two apps and one entree (tapas style!). They even have a shuffleboard and foosball table in the back that you can play while you wait for a table or if play if your just boozing.Heather Recommends: Pineapple Mana, Okinawan Tater Totes (they are taro tater totes!)The Husband Recommends: Lahaina Town Brown, Fresh Mahi Tacos

House Without a Keylocated at the Halekulani Hotel -- 2199 Kalia Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815

Halekulani Hotel is a five star hotel with beautiful dining and views of the ocean. Hands down, House Without a Key has the best Mai Tais and coconut cake. Whenever we are in Waikiki we go here just for the drinks and coconut cake. Plus, at night they typically have local music and hula dancing on the patio. So you get to enjoy a show, a drink, and the best damn coconut cake.We Recommend: Going at sunset and getting the coconut cake and mai tai. If you are not dining in and just there for drinks and dessert, do tell them, they have seating on the patio (best view in my opinion) for those not dining in.

Leonard's Bakery933 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816Leonard's Bakery is a staple in Honolulu. When on a Oahu you have to stop here and get malasadas. What are malasadas? Malasadas are Portugese doughnuts without a whole. They are light and fluffy covered in sugar! I mean these things are balls of HEAVEN.

The Streetinside the International Marketplace

The Street is a like a fancy cafeteria. It's a great place if you are with someone that wants different things or with a group. They have everything from poke to burgers. We came here twice for lunch first time both the husband and I got food from the International Smoke. I got the wagyu beef, mac and cheese, and potato salad. And of course a Hawaiian role. The mac and cheese and beef were both so good. The salsa they top on the beef along with the salt make the beef flavor pop. Plus, we both got a drink from Kai Poke. We were told it was similar to a Mai Tai and could get any liquor we wanted in it so of course with that we went with a rum...To both of us it was more of a margarita so go with a tequila. Second time we went the husband got Raman and I ordered from Maui Onion Burger. Since this place was still new Maui Onion Burger didn't have regular sized burger buns (they have two sizes regular and massive burger size) I opted for a chicken sandwich. Which was good. And got beers from the beer bar.We Recommend: International Smoke, the Spam can drink from Kai Poke (with tequila!)

Marukame Udon2310 Kuhio Ave #124, Honolulu, HI 96815
Another one of the husbands picks. This casual Japanese restaurant specializes in Sanuki-style Udon. You can't go wrong with any of the handmade cool or warm udon dishes. The husband's personal favorite is their Niku Udon: a traditional broth with a light fish and seaweed taste, topped with sweet beef and caramelized onions. Did we mention they're handmade noodles? Daily. Walk down Kuhio Avenue and you'll see the noodle-making process in Marukame's open kitchen. With nearly 6,000 Yelp reviews, you'll often see lines outside - especially around lunch and dinner. It's worth the wait, which usually isn't too long with fast moving lines and plenty of counter seating.The Husband Recommends: Niku Udon with a soft-boiled egg and tempura

SHOPPING
The RefineryLewers Street between Kalakaua Ave & Kalia Road

Another new ones to us was The Refinery. This cute little general store has lots of little gems. Perfect little keepsakes to take home with you or give as souvenirs. This little shop reminded me of Brooklyn but filled with beachy themed items.

If you are looking for different type of souvenirs this is the place. The Greenroom has lots of affordable prints and art work from local artist. The husband and I went home with four prints from artist from Nick Kuchar. Now we have a theme for our bedroom. I can not wait to get frames to hang our pieces.

My favorite surf shop in Waikiki is HIC. This store has all the surf companies like Hurley, Roxy, Viacom, etc. under one roof. Plus, I have been able to find items in this shop that I can't find in their individual stores. If you are looking for a Hawaiian themed top or some new swim suits come check out this shop first. I've always been able to walk into this shop and leave with something.

Malibu Shirts2335 Kalakaua Ave

Don't be fooled by the name, Malibu Shirts specializes in vintage Hawaiian designs which offers something different to take home with you. This is a small shop that offers soft vintage tee designs...that even come with a story attached to the tag. I love that with Malibu Shirts you are able to take home a part of Polynesian history with you.

Honolua SurfHilton Hawaiian Village

Looking for a Hawaiian surf company? Honolua Surf is your place. They are named after the mystical bay found on the western part of Maui. Their focus is on those who spend their time at the ocean. This is the shop for authentic Hawaiian surf gear.

Yes Honolulu Cookie Company is super touristy...but the cookies are so good! Plus, seriously they make the perfect souvenir to bring back to the office or to your family. This is a must stop for the husband and I. We always buy for our offices and a box for ourselves. My favorite flavors are chocolate coconut and espresso.

June 14, 2017

Since the first time I visited Waikiki I've always loved The Royal Hawaiian hotel. I mean how could you not love the pink exterior and the pink umbrellas and towels that line the beach. The Royal Hawaiian is known as the "Pink Palace of the Pacific." They are one of the hotels along the strip that has been apart of Waikiki's history since the turn of the century (this includes the Mona Surfrider -- which opened in 1901). The Royal Hawaiian started it's rich history when they opened their doors on February 1st 1927. Since opening their doors, they've built quit the history for themselves; they were used as an R&R center for the US military during World War II, had been hit by the Great Depression, gone from different ownerships and had gone under renovation in 2008. This is a hotel that holds so much history and you can feel it when your in its presence. The husband and I have said that maybe the next time we stay in Waikiki we will stay here. I hope so.

June 12, 2017

We had a cool wet spell most of last week, which made being back in NYC even harder. As a New Yorker I knew that at the end of winter, not to put away my lighter weight sweaters as there will be days that will be on the cooler side. On these days, there's nothing like a mini skirt and a soft light sweater.

June 7, 2017

They say home is where the heart is...and my heart is in Hawaii. Oahu has been the only place outside of New York where it felt like home. Where I felt comfortable and complete. That island has a spell on me. I love everything from its beauty to its culture. As much as I loved Kauai, I felt that it was to quite for me. That's its a lovely place to visit, explore and get away but at heart I'm a city girl. Oahu has the excitement of Honolulu and Waikiki, but the chillness of the North Shore (or really anything outside of the "city"). I always felt like I was meant to live a surfer beach life. I'm still trying to convince the husband to move Oahu (or at least buy a vacation home there...yes a vacation home before a real home). Maybe one day, but for now I'll continue to dream.

June 5, 2017

Kauai was everything that I dreamed of and more. The natural beauty of this island is truly breath taken. The husband and I were out everyday exploring and taking it all in. We saw so much yet at the same time there was still so much left to see and do. A couple of our highlights from this trip was doing the Na Pali boat tour with Na Pali Coast Experience. A 12 mile hike through this coast line was not our thing, so a tour of the coast from the boat was just perfect. It's small boat, so it was an intimate experience with a group of 6 people. We did the mid-afternoon tour which was perfect, not to early but also didn't end to late. We saw not only a gorgeous coast line but Spinner Dolphins, Spotted Rays, Sea Turtles, and explored caves. Plus, we got to snorkel and just so happen to swim with a sea turtle. Another highlight from the trip was traveling to Waimea Canyon State Park. Where these photos were taken. The views were absolutely breath taking. It was amazing to see these mountains up close and from the top. Then when reached the highest lookout point you got to see the Na Pali Coast from the tippy top.

The husband and I want to go back to visit. Next time on our list would be to do the kayak tour to the secret falls in the Wailua River.